The Graves of Craving: The Cancer of Discontent

The grumbling didn't begin with everyone, and it didn't start all at once. It began at the edge of the camp, amongst those already on the fringes. It began with those who were willing to think of the 'Good-old-days' in Egypt when there was variety in the diet and those who could look on the Lord's salvation as having brought suffering and adversity, rather than seeing the Lord's salvation as having brought liberty and freedom and promise of better things. It began on the fringes, but it made its way into the camp until the entire camp, including Moses and Aaron and Miriam find themselves effected.

Centuries later the Apostle Paul would preach to the Corinthians, in his first letter to them, from the text of Numbers declaring that they serve as an example and a warning for the church: Beware of unbelief! Beware of evil desires! Beware of grumbling?

Does grumbling really belong in the same list as idolatry, unbelief and sexual immorality? Indeed, it appears on that list more than once. It is often the overlooked sin that proves to be cancer in the very bones of the church.

This sermon considers the dangers of grumbling and also offers a biblical treatment for those who are tempted to grumble.